Very sweet picture book about a bear who opens a box and decides that he has found a perfect gift for his friend Mouse. But the other animals who look inside are not impressed. Spoiler alert: The box is actually empty, but it turns out to be exactly the right size to be a cozy spot for Mouse. This one got lots of “Awww’s” from the group (especially the parents).

Sadly this book appears to be out of print, which is a shame because it has a lot of kid appeal. After her new vacuum arrives, Mom receives a new delivery on the doorstep, with something very special inside. The book features large flaps for kids to open as the contents of the box are slowly revealed. I love this book because my daughter used to love to hide inside boxes to surprise me.

The companion to Not a Stick, this picture-driven book shows all of the different ways a box is transformed by a rabbit’s imagination. The kids always like guessing what the box will turn into next: a rocket, a pirate’s ship, a mountain, etc.

CRAFT: Paper Box

Paper Box by Brandon

There are lots of templates online for making paper boxes. I used this one from Pinterest. I cut the template out ahead of time and gave the kids markers to decorate them before gluing them together with glue sticks (the parents helped with assembly). The kids were really happy to have their own little boxes.

I’m sad that this book is out of print, because it’s always been a hit with my storytime families. A young girl wishes she could package herself up and send herself to her loved one who is far away. Sweet, rhyming book with beautiful illustrations.